2013 honda accord Model Overview

Not only is the Honda Accord a major power player within the hyper competitive midsize sedan segment, it’s also one of the best-selling cars in America. But that doesn’t mean it couldn’t benefit from any improvements. Enter the ninth-generation, 2013 Honda Accord, a car that looks better, drives better, has a nicer interior, and gets better fuel economy — and it does it all without offending the traditional Accord buyer.

The 2013 Honda Accord’s standard and more powerful 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is now paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that replaces the conventional five-speed automatic. While many buyers can be apprehensive about a CVT, we found it to be a capable transmission. “You can only tell it’s a CVT when it hangs at an rpm for a few seconds. Feels like a regular automatic and makes the Accord feel quick,” we said. We like the CVT’s fuel economy even better, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway — excellent numbers for a conventional gasoline-powered midsize sedan and better than those of the much smaller Honda Fit. In a late-2012 comparison involving six midsize sedans, the CVT-equipped Accord finished second ahead of the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Toyota Camry, but behind the Volkswagen Passat because it wasn’t as fun to drive. Aside from that, the Accord gives family-sedan shoppers exactly what they want: a well-appointed and cavernous cabin, a generous trunk, excellent fuel efficiency, an abundance of creature comforts, a quiet and plush ride, and a highly refined powertrain.

Available as a sedan or coupe, the 2013 Accord comes in a variety of trim levels. The LX, Sport (new for 2013), and EX come standard with the four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission, which impressed us as well: “Shifts are short and crisp with a good mechanical feel and easy-to-find gates.” The EX-L comes standard with the four-banger and CVT. Upgrade to the 278-hp 3.5-liter V6 and you’ll need to choose between the EX-L and Touring trims, which come standard with the six-speed automatic. The coupe comes in LX-S, EX, EX-L, while the V6-equipped coupe comes only in EX-L. Also new is the Accord PHEV, is powered by a 137-hp, 2.0-liter, Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine in tandem with a 124-kW electric motor with total output peaking at 196 hp. A regular hybrid is also on the horizon for 2014.

New for 2013

While the 2013 Honda Accord received a number of substantial mechanical changes, visual changes are not as significant. The beltline has been lowered a smidge to improve overall visibility, and interior materials have been upgraded. Honda’s also introduced a new blind spot monitoring system on the Accord.

Key Competitors

Sum Up

2013 Honda Accord Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$22,480

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$14,250

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#13V297000 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Consequence

An insufficent seal may led to a fuel leak which increases the risk of a fire.

Recall Date

2013-07-08

Description

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Accord vehicles that are Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) II rated that were manufactured January 15, 2013, through April 5, 2013. The fuel tank neck may be out of specification causing the fuel pump to not properly seal to the fuel tank.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, nut and O-ring gasket free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Honda's recall number is JA9. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000.

Units Affected

1659

Recall ID#17V418000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY

Consequence

An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Recall Date

2017-06-29

Description

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Dealers will perform an interim remedy of applying adhesive to the case to prevent water intrusion. Interim notices are expected to be mailed on July 31, 2017. Owners will need to have the permanent remedy completed once they receive a second notice. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KG0.

2013 Honda Accord News and Reviews

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